Yes, despite common misconceptions, US citizens are able to travel to Cuba. However, due to the existing US government regulations, traveling for tourism purposes alone is not permitted. Instead, US citizens must adhere to one of the 12 authorized travel categories outlined by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). If these requirements are met, you can legally travel to Cuba.
How Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba? Understanding the 12 Authorized Categories
OFAC provides a general license for 12 specific categories of travel. Individuals who meet the criteria of a general license are not required to obtain further permission from OFAC to visit Cuba. It’s worth noting that the regulations surrounding travel to Cuba have been subject to changes, including directives issued in November 2017 and further restrictions in June 2019 which eliminated group travel using the “People-to-People” category.
For in-depth information on legal travel options, explore resources like this blog post: Can US Citizens travel to Cuba Legally?.
What Are the 12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba for US Citizens?
The US Embassy in Havana provides a comprehensive list of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba. These categories include (as detailed on the US Embassy in Havana’s website):
- Family visits
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activity
- Professional research and professional meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
- Certain authorized export transactions
Many travelers choose to travel under the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ general license. For detailed information on compliance under this specific category, with examples, please consult §515.574 of the Code of Federal Regulations here. The US Treasury’s website provides further information on travelling to Cuba here (FAQs related to Cuba, Section II).
Booking Flights and Cruises to Cuba: What You Need to Know
Yes, you can book a flight to Cuba as long as your travel aligns with one of the 12 authorized categories. Airlines like JetBlue and Delta offer flights to Cuba while complying with the regulations. However, as of June 5, 2019, booking cruises to Cuba is no longer permitted.
Traveling to Cuba Via the US as a Non-US Citizen
If you are not a US citizen but plan to travel to Cuba via the US, you must adhere to the same regulations as US citizens. Tourist Cards purchased outside the US are not valid; you must purchase a “pink” Tourist Card sold exclusively in the US at a US airport or from a US travel agent.
Key Takeaways: Traveling to Cuba as a US Citizen
While direct tourism to Cuba is restricted, US citizens can travel legally by adhering to one of the 12 authorized categories defined by OFAC. Staying informed about the current regulations and ensuring your travel complies with these guidelines is crucial for a smooth and lawful trip to Cuba. Always consult official sources like the US Treasury and US Embassy websites for the most up-to-date information.
